After the dinner with Reba and Cletus, and the news concerning the brothers’ origins, Tex went outside to see if Rosa was still waiting for him. She was nearby, enjoying the flowers in Reba’s yard.
She looked at Tex and complimented the beauty of his parents’ yard. Tex replied, “Yes, there was a price for those beautiful flowers.”
Rosa looked at him, puzzled, and said, “Ay, Tex, tell me more.”
Tex looked at her and just couldn’t look away. She asked, “What is it, Tex, hmm? Why are you looking at me like that?”
He exclaimed, “I’m sorry, but I haven't allowed myself to enjoy what amazing eyes you have, and you keep yourself so well.”
Rosa blushed and thanked him for the compliment. She then said, “Bueno, tell me about these flowers, you handsome devil.”
Tex got choked up but managed to get out, “Flattery will get you everywhere, ma'am.”
She smiled, and he proceeded to tell her about Reba’s garden.
“Every week, my brothers and I had a running roster for garden upkeep. You could get away with some things around Mom, but shoddy garden work was a bad, bad idea and wasn't tolerated. Mom had us stealing the seeds and bulbs from T-Bone’s wife and the surrounding neighbors. If the job wasn't done properly, you would get another week added to your schedule. And it would continue that way until her standards were met. Preston had the hardest time with this, seeing he wasn't built for it.”
Rosa smiled and said, “Ay, Tex, your family has been so good to me. Such lovely people!”
Tex rolled his eyes and replied, “I think Mom loves you more than me.” They both laughed.
They walked in comfortable silence for a bit, and Tex said, “You know, I could get accustomed to these walks with you.”
Rosa replied with a gleam in her eyes, “Señor Tex, I could walk with you for the rest of my days. Pero first, you must tell me how this unusual family of yours came to be.”
When Tex talked about his family, a joy would come over his face that Rosa found priceless.
These walks continued every evening, as long as they were fair weather days.
